I had a bad dream last night-a nightmare, In fact. This dream had to
do with a trail run and the difficulty experienced, especially at the beginning
of this run. For example, one part of the dream had to do with my starting off
while being in the water. The water, somehow, was supposed to be about waist
high but in the dream, it was up to my chin and I was afraid that I might drown.
I quickly was able, somehow, to get out of the water. In another dream sequence,
I had to enter and leave through this weird shaped building before I could
begin my run. There was a door leading into the building, but, once inside, I
had difficulty finding and opening any door to leave -I was stuck inside and
unable to begin my run. These two memories stand out while the others have
simply faded away. Needless to say, this dream was very disturbing.
The dream suggests my anxiety in running the second day [Sunday
-from Forest Hill to White Oak Flat -about 20 miles] of the Western States
training run during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. I have taken part in
Western States training runs over the past 13 years or so. All told, these
three day training runs total about 75 miles of the 100 mile one day event.
Some background that explains my concern about this year’s run.
During the past few years, the daily temperature has warmed up considerably on
those particular Sunday’s. Possibly, not having any significant heat training
prior, resulted in my having an extremely tough time for the last 5 miles or
so, especially last year. I became tired, dehydrated and had difficulty
speaking as I lost my voice. After rest, of course, my voice came back
normally. And, this year I haven’t had heat training. Also, I know from
previous running experiences, that I don’t do well with high temperatures.
Further, my trail runs this year have been very different. On
January 1, I ran this particular 10 mile trail run [Resolution Run] for the
fourth or fifth time in a row. And for the last 2-3 years, my trail time has
been pretty consistent. This year’s 10 mile event was a little different in
that it had an extended uphill loop. Possibly that explained running this event
slower compared to the past two years.
After running that January 1 event, I read about sodium bicarbonate
and begin using that in preparation for my 50 K in February-I’ve competed in
the Jed Smith event for the past 12 or 13 years as well. Well, I’m unhappy to
report, that I became extremely tired after 25 miles or so, during the event
and essentially walked to the finish. I felt terrible and my running time was
the slowest ever for this Jed Smith event.
I attributed my difficulty to possible irregular training, and
especially the sodium bicarbonate.
Then, I began preparing for a 50 K Way Too Cool in March-which I’ve
done for the past 12 or 13 years. During my February training, I experienced
some difficulties with irritation in my groin area. I went to the Monster of Massage,
for treatment, and he assured me that I would be fine for my race. I even
consulted a medical doctor to get his opinion. He told me to rest and take
Aleve until the day of the event. During that 50 K I was cognizant and
continued to evaluate my physical condition during my event-I was okay.
However, at about 18 miles or so, I started to cramp. My friend Randall joined
me on the trail and we headed toward the finish. I did some slow running and
walking for the next 7 miles or so and then climbed up the very steep Goat
Hill. After leaving the aid station at Goat Hill, I cramped so bad that I went
to the ground with a whole lot of tightness and spasms. Randall massaged my
cramping leg, and I was then able to stand and continued toward the finish with
a lot of walking. My Way Too Cool trail
time on that miserable day was by far my slowest for that event.
I must say that March and April have not been terrific running
months for me. Last Saturday, I ran an extremely difficult and tough 10 mile
Coloma River trail run-I’ve done this one for last four years. During the run,
I felt terrific. This was a marked improvement over my 50 K experiences in
February and March. Nothing was bothering me that day and the temperature was
terrific for running. It was like there was a heavy burden lifted off my
shoulders. I was surprised that my time was slower compared to the past two
years. So, initially I felt terrific during and after the run. When I compared
my time to the previous year, I was both surprised and disappointed. So far
I’ve been consistently slower this year compared to previous years-this just
might be my reality.
Well, it makes perfect sense to me that I have concerns regarding my
next run. That bad dream brought my anxiety into my reality. I’ll keep you
posted as to how the actual run turned out.
PS
Tony had a difficult time on his recent 50 K. He’s taken some time
off and we’ll see how it turns out, for him this Sunday as well.
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